Cars: Buy, Sell, Repair, Maintain and Learn about Autos

Everyone from the greasiest gearhead to the automotive layman will benefit from the Web's easy-to-use resources on cars. Research tools and classified listings abound for the car buyer: for the eager reader, breaking automotive news, commentary, and perspective via magazines and blogs, will keep you entertained and informed. Learn about these resources and more in the findingDulcinea Car Guide.

A number of sites contain information that can teach visitors about the basic systems and technologies that propel automobiles. Once you have the foundation, there are do it yourself online resources you can use to aid you in doing major and minor car repairs and performing regular maintenance. Or, maybe you just need to locate a mechanic.

Use the following sites to find both practical and technical automobile information.

In addition to repair information, some of the sites listed below specialize in educating drivers about automotive safety and preparation. If you have questions about using car-seats and seat belts, or are unsure how to keep your car safe through periodic maintenance, visit those sites.

Auto repair chains like Midas and Meineke have sites that explain the services they offer, list the products they sell, and help you find local branches.

Two of the bigger nationwide parts chains, AutoZone and Pep Boys, have customer repair information on their Web sites. AutoZone's "Repair Info" section has interactive repair guides for a long list of makes and models. In the Pep Boys "Learning Center" you'll find articles on car care safety, repair, maintenance, and more.

CarTalk.com
, the Internet home of the famous radio show, has a "Recommended Mechanic" locater found midway down its homepage. Extensive results listings include ratings and comments from regular people who've already had their cars serviced by the garage in question.

The NASCAR Performance Network
is a network of certified mechanics and garages around the country. Enter your location and the nature of the work your car requires, and NASCAR will offer advice on where to go.

How Stuff Works
has a succinct explanation of how cars work. While this article won't "wow" any engineering students, it's a good introduction for the automotive amateur. The site covers how engines work, how windshield wipers work, and various topics in between.

Inner Auto
is an auto parts retailer with guides that introduce various car parts with short descriptions. These descriptions outline the primary functions of each part, how it relates to the overall working of the car, and what could result if the part malfunctioned. Check along the bottom of the homepage for more neat features. "How cars work 101" has fantastic illustrated diagrams that explain how the primary systems within cars work. "Animations" has animated diagrams that showing how components like V8 engines and wheel drive powertrains work. "Definitions" is a comprehensive glossary of automotive terms.

AutoShop101
is an automotive training Web site written and maintained by automotive technology professor Kevin Sullivan. The site has step-by-step tutorials that explain the scientific and technological principles that contribute to the operation of a car. Also useful is the large categorical links section.

All Data DIY
is an online automotive repair database. Their exhaustive holdings come in the form of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) service manuals, Technical Service Bulletins, recall notices, illustrated diagrams and repair procedures, maintenance schedules, diagnostic charts, and much more. A troubleshooting guide walks you step by step through the process of diagnosing and repairing car problems. Access to this service requires paying a subscription fee of $24.99 for your first car, and $14.95 for each additional.

AllData
is an automotive information portal. Through AllData's sub-sites, AllDataDIY.com, AutoZone.com, and ProCarCare.com, visitors can learn how to diagnose and repair malfunctioning car parts, purchase car parts and accessories, and locate auto repair shops in their area. AllData also has an area with information for automotive professionals.